VISITING TEAM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22348, 20 February 1936, Page 12

VISITING TEAM

M.C.C. PLAYEES ABBIVE TWO MATCHES IN AUCKLAND THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE TOUR PLAY COMMENCING TO-MORROW "We are thoroughly enjoying our holiday matches and tour of New Zealand," said Mr. E. R. T. Holmes, captain of the M.C.C. team, upon its arrival in Auckland last evening, following the conclusion of a game against Piako at Matamata. "Our players have made many friends, and they will carry away many happy memories of the our. "Unfortunately the weather has been against us in some centres, but the loss of cricket has been compensated for Dy the manner in which the* peop e ave received us in the- various centres we have visited." • The English captain said that members of his team were very much looking forward to the matches in Auckland against the provincial team and also against the New Zealand eleven a week later. His team was out to further the interests of cricket in every way possible. They hoped to enjoy being the guests of the Auckland Cricket Association equally as much as the association enjoyed being their hosts. Regarding the tour in general, so far as it has progressed, and concerning the various grounds, wickets placed upon, calibre of the players met, and the standard of umpiring, and other matters connected with the tour, Mr. Holmes said he would prefer to wait until its conclusion before passing any comment. . . , Following upon their day's cricket at Matamata and the ensuing train journey, the members of the team were keen to obtain a good night's rest at the Hotel Cargen. Some of them will practice at Eden Park this afternoon, while those nursing minor injuries to arms or legs will have a day's rest. The members of the visiting team are.—E. R. T. Holmes, captain, Surrey; N. S. Mitchell-Innes, Somerset; J. H. Human, Middlesex; A. G. Powell, Essex; H. D. Read, Essex; the Hon. J. C. Lyttelton, vice-captain, Worcestershire; S. C. Griffiths, Cambridge University; A. D. Baxter, Marylebone; D. Smith, Derbyshire; J. Langridge, Sussex; J. M. Sims, Middlesex; J. Hardstaff, Nottingham; J. H. Parks, Sussex; W. Barber, Yorkshire.

The match between the touring team and Auckland will commence at Eden Park to-morrow at 11 a.m., and it will be continued on Saturday and Monday. The Englishmen will then hare a few days' spell prior to meeting New Zealand in the third unofficial test at Eden Park, this game to commence to-morrow week.